Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Slack; loose; not taut: Describes something, typically a rope, string, or cord, that is not pulled tight and has some looseness or sag.
   • Baggy; long and loose (for clothing): Describes pants or trousers that are intentionally long and loose-fitting, often pooling at the ankles.

2. Verb (dialectal/colloquial):

   • To do something stealthily or on the sly: Refers to acting in a secretive, furtive, or underhanded manner.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Dây đàn chùng nên âm thanh không chuẩn. (The guitar string is slack, so the sound is not correct.)
  • Cô ấy thích phong cách quần chùng áo rộng. (She likes the style of baggy pants and loose shirts.)

• Verb (dialectal):

  • Hắn ta hay ăn chùng một mình. (He often eats stealthily by himself.)
  • Việc đó phải làm chùng, đừng để ai biết. (That task must be done on the sly; don't let anyone know.)

Advanced Usage

• The adjectival form is standard in modern Vietnamese. The verbal meaning is considered dialectal or colloquial and is less common in formal writing.

Variants and Related Words

• Chùng chình (v): to dawdle, to linger, to move or act slowly and indecisively.

  • Đừng chùng chình nữa, chúng ta muộn rồi. (Stop dawdling; we are late.)

• Chùng xuống (v phrase): to sag down, to slacken, to become less tense.

  • Sau cơn bão, dây điện chùng xuống rất nguy hiểm. (After the storm, the power line sagged down, which is very dangerous.)

Synonyms

• Slack/Loose: lỏng lẻo, trùng (for ropes/strings).
• Baggy: rộng thùng thình.
• Stealthily: lén lút, vụng trộm.

Related Idioms

• Nói chùng nói khéo: to speak indirectly or tactfully, to hint at something without stating it directly.

  • Anh ấy không dám chỉ trích thẳng, chỉ nói chùng nói khéo thôi. (He didn't dare criticize directly, he only spoke in hints.)

• Làm chùng lòng: to discourage, to dampen someone's spirit or enthusiasm.

  • Thất bại lần đầu không được làm chùng lòng bạn. (The first failure must not discourage you.)

verb

1. Như chùn

adj

1. Slack
   • dây đàn chùng
     a slack musical chord
2. Baggy
   • quần chùng
     baggy trousers